Now Appearing in Heaven
Saturday, Mar 9 2019

We who believe in a loving God and the gift of everlasting life, rejoice in death. In our hearts, we know our loved one is at peace in the midst of the Light. We mourn the passing of one we’d prefer with us in this world but this belief does bring comfort in our loss.

My husband, Marshall Brodien (84) of Geneva, passed away peacefully early morning on March 8, 2019. He was surrounded by family in his last days, and I only left his side to shower (which the rest of the family appreciated.) Most of the week, I held his hand. In his last hours I sat beside him with my head on his pillow, holding both of his hands, and listening to his last breaths.

Hospice educated me on the signs of passing which became increasingly more evident with every minute. As his hands grew colder, I prayed the rosary and spoke to God and to Marshall. His breaths gently faded, he squeezed my hands, and I felt his spirit leave the body.

Twenty five years ago when I first told my mother about Marshall she was concerned about the 20 years age difference between us. I assured my mom that Marshall was a gentleman, and she soon realized his kindness for herself.

Marshall’s public persona meant that he belonged to the public. Loved ones had to share him with fans everywhere we went. His attention often was elsewhere.

However, Marshall made me feel loved every day of our marriage. He called me “My Mary” and “The love of his life.” He didn’t hesitate to publicly say, “I love that girl.” I never doubted I was in his heart and greatly appreciated the joy he brought to me and my children.

Marshall may be best known for creating the Marshall Brodien Magic sets and TV magic cards with his famous tagline, “Magic is easy, once you know the Secret.” He’s also fondly remembered as the magical, wacky character Wizzo on Chicago’s Bozo Show for 26 years. Marshall, aka Wizzo, would wave his stone of Zanzibar and say the magic words, “Do-dee-do-dee-do.”

Marshall’s rich life began in Chicago with his loving mother, Mildred, Father Arthur, and brother, Charles. At the age of eight, a female magician entertained at his school. He soon became hooked and put on his own shows for family and friends. He later became a side-show barker at Riverview Park.

He was drafted into the army in 1957 and commissioned to the Special Services Entertainment Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. He performed more than 700 shows at hospitals, officer clubs, and private parties over his two years in the military.

Marshall continued entertaining by performing magic and stage hypnosis at lounges, clubs, and county fairs as well working as a trade show spokesperson for corporations such as Owens-Corning Fiberglass, Bethlehem Steel, Reynolds Aluminum, and the American Gas Association.

Marshall showed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease disruptive to daily life since 2004. I cared for him at home for ten years and he lived in managed care for almost another five.

In addition to me, Marshall is survived by his three children, three step-children, nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. There also is one more on the way. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Christine, who passed away in 2016, and his brother, Charles.

Beautiful words Mary spoken from the heart. Marshall died on what would have been my mothers 84th birthday. I hope they have met now and she is being entertained by him as well as all the others in Gods wonderful care. Peace. Love, Cheryl

My deepest sympathy to your entire family. I was a long time fan of Marshall’s and owned a couple of sets of TV Magic Cards because of him. I did a magic act in clown face for a few years inspired by Wizzo. Having worked in a nursing home for 15 years I have seen the tragedy of Alzheimer’s firsthand.He was fortunate to have you by his side through this very difficult journey. When you are ready please continue your advocacy for Alheimer’s patients and their families. God bless.

Gentle hugs to you, and the entire family, as we add our condolences on the passing of this great family man, as well as his public persona! As a kid, there was no other show but “Bozo’s Circus”, where Marshall was a charming and wacky friend to everyone; he entertained several generations with his humor and talents. But his endearing kindness to the children in his entertainment life, was overshadowed by his abundant kindness in his personal life. You were both blessed with each other, and there are never the right words to say “thank you” to this Chicago legend, nor to the two of you, who made such a beautiful couple, displaying your love for each other. God bless you, Mary, and your families, and Eternal Peace and Rest be with Marshall.

I was so lucky to have been in Marshall life working with him in activities almost 2 years. He was a very sweet,loving man and loved you Mary soo much
Take care my friend, keep in touch❤️Luv Cindy Gilbert

Mary and Family, John and I met you, and Marshall at Arden Court when we were taking care of my Mother Phyllis. I will never forget your kind words and watching Marshall do his rabbit trick for all of us. He truly was a kind and caring man. God has truly blessed you with your understanding of Alzheimer’s we both walked the long journey, and will never forget that there was still joy with in that journey. Our sincere sympathy for you and your family. Gail & John Waldman

Thank you for sharing your wonderful time with Marshall. He was a wonderful man, and I so wish I had more time with him too. We shared many laughs, stories and magic over the years. I was blessed to have worked with him a handful of times over the years, and will never forget. Our family sends you all our love and prayers that all the WONDERFUL memories you shared with Marshall and all the Brodien’s help ease the pain of his passing. God bless you Mary!

Such a wonderful tribute.
Imagine all the generations of children’s lives made happier because of his fun and magic. I’m in one of those generations.
Now, imagine all the lives made better, burdens eased because of your ability to put your experience into clear, understandable and relatable words.